Free School Meals

Universal Infant Free School Meals and Free School Meals

You may know that all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are automatically entitled to a free school meal, and this is called Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM). You can see the options for lunch each week in this newsletter.

This does not mean that your child has to have a meal through school as they can bring a packed lunch. However, as a school we would strongly recommend it as children will receive a hot meal that is nutritionally balanced. It is also an important part of the school day as they practise their table manners and improve their social skills.

UIFSM is not the same as being eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), which can run throughout your child's time in school and not just in infants. You may be eligible if you are in receipt of certain benefits, and for an up to date list, please read the Frequently Asked Question section in this link. When your child is on the FSM register, the school is given extra funding, and this is called Pupil Premium. Pupil Premium can be used by the school in a variety of ways to help support your child, and this can extend to the school funding 'extras' such as your child's trips or music lessons. Your child is eligible for Pupil Premium, also called 'Ever 6' for six years after they are no longer on the Free School Meal register. This will more than likely mean that your child will continue to benefit in secondary school. The application process is really simple, and can be done online through this link on the right hand side of this page.